In 2007 the Department of
Biotechnology (DBT), Govt. of India launched a programme
for making the students aware of the importance of ournatural resources, as to conserve the fast depleting
resources has now become the need of hour ; and this isnot possible without the active involvement of the
students and general mass. As the Academy is already involved
in such activities, the D B T has given this pious task to the
Academy along with other such prestigious Institutions of high
scientific repute as

Themain objective of this programme
was to establish D
B T’s Natural Resources Awareness Club ( D N A Club)
in the schools and colleges to create awareness about the
natural resources among the students in order to equip them
with relevant skills for bioresource conservation. The details
of the responsibilities of the school/college (D N A Club) is
given below.

For
every school the total number of days for DNA Club activities
would be of maximum of 25 days in an academic year as per the
following details

The
activities for the students of class 6-8th would be
–

(a)Invited
Lectures –

For total 5 days in an Academic year (two
lectures/demonstrations per day).

On the topics/areas like-different types of
Ecosystems and Conservation Measures; Wild life and Endangered
species; Medicinal Plants; Totem and Taboos with their ethical
significance; Flora & Fauna and its importance etc.

(b) Discussion
Forum –

For total 3 days in an Academic year

For a group of 20-30 students

On the topics covered in lectures/
demonstrations held as above.

(c)
Exposure Visits –

For total 5 days in an Academic year

For a group of 20-30 students.

Visit to National Parks/Zoo/reserved forest
areas/botanical gardens/national heritage along with the
subject experts.

Emphasis will also be on Nature-Man-Ethnic
complex.

(d) Project Works
–

For total 5 days in an Academic Year.

To make them familiar with the laboratory tools,
lab to land programmes and to develop know how of the basic
principles of conservation of natural resources.

For developing skills of conservation strategies
and planning at the local/regional level etc.

The
National Academy of Sciences, India asRRA arranges a meeting at the interval of six
months in regular manner with all the DNA Clubs to make an
assessment of the activities going on; and will submit a
report to DBT, New Delhi updating the ongoing activities and
the progress report.

VACATION TRAINING PROGRAMME (VTP)

The
Academy will organise a Vacation Training Programme for the
selected teachers and students from the DNA Clubs to give them
training to sustain the D N A Club activities in future.

The
course curriculum and activities for Vacation Training
Programme has been given below -

Bioresources
maintained by and in man made ecosystems. Genetic
resources, agrobiodiveristy.

Ethinic
knowledge bases, folklore knowledge bases.

Threats to bioresources.

Conservation and sustainable use of
bio-resources.

Intellectual
property rights and bioresources.

Biotechnology
and bioresources-scope, limits & precautions.

Emerging avenues and careers in the
fields of biodiversity, bioresources and biotechnology.

B.
Exploring the Environment and understanding local bioresources

Practical hands on activities would be carried on as visits to forms and
meetings with former community, documenting and studying local
biodiversity, field visits to nature parks/wild life areas,
visits to national laboratories and institutions.

A detailed discussion on the first hand experience would be held after
every visit/meetings as above.

C.
Interactive Sessions

This will include group discussions and presentations by the participants
on the topics of curriculum, painting/poster sessions on
biodiversity and conservation issues, web page designing on
bioresources, street plays on environmental causes, A.V. Film
presentations and celebration of important events/days.

D.
Individual Projects by the students/teachers

Specific projects would be assigned to each student and teacher on
community participation for biodiversity conservation,
herbarium preparation, tissue culture, DNA isolation etc.

Each student/teacher will work on such project under the guidance of an
expert for field studies, library research and data
collection, analysis and impact assessment related to the
project.

E.
Wrap-up Session

Experience sharing

Power
Point presentation by the students and teachers.

Get
together with eminent scientists.

Award of prizes and certificates.

A Report on the
Progress of the
Project

2007 - 09

Progress Report

Number of DNA
Clubs under the
RRA, with list of
school (State
Wise)

Total no. of DNA
Clubs formed by
the RRA (NASI) is
twenty five; the
details are given
below:-

In U.P.

InstitutionApprox.
No. of students

1. Tagore
Public School (C
B S E Affiliated)
-
550

179,
Attarsuiya

Allahabad

2. D.A.V.
Intermediate
College,
600

Mehdawal,

Sant
Kabir Nagar

3. T.D.
Intermediate
College, 575

Jaunpur

4.
Prabhat Academy
(an Intermediate
College)
515

Astabhuja Nagar,

Pratapgarh

5. M.D.
Jain Intermediate
College
550

Agra

6.
S.D.D.B. Rama
Intermediate
College
670

Hari
Parwat

Pilibhit

7. C.P
Vidya Niketan
Intermediate
College,
450

Kapil
Road

Kaimganj-207502

Farrukhabad

8. N.A.S.
Intermediate
College
550

Meerut

9. Parker
Inter
College 400

Moradabad

10. Mahgaon
Inter
College 550

Mahgaon

Kaushambi

In M.P.

11. Bonanza
Higher Secondary
School,
350

Opposite Hotel
Park

Rewa
Road

Satna
-485001

12. Govt.
Excellence Higher
Secondary School
315

Maihar

13. Jawahar
Navodaya
Vidyalaya,
525

Biker- Datia –
475661

14. Govt.
Excellence Higher
Secondary
School
400

Sidhi

15. E.C.I.
School
340

Arjun
Nagar

Rewa

16. Govt.
R.P.
School
300

Indrapuri Colony

Panna

17. Central
Academy Higher
Secondary
School 340

(Behind S.P.
Bungalow)

Rajendra Nagar
Police line

Shahdol

18.
Meenakshi
Educational
Institute
300

Bengali Kali
Tigade,

Gopalganj,

Saugor (Sagar)

19.
Shealeng Home
English Higher
Secondary School
250

Mahoba Road,

Chhattarpur

20. Mother
Teresa Higher
Secondary English
School, 115

Sevagram

Khajuraho

In Bihar

21. Chapra
Central School,
770

Sandha Road,

Near Bazar Samiti

Chapra

22. St.
Pauls School
--

Hazipur

23. Ishan
Inter Public
School --

Malahi Pakri,
Kankarbagh

Patna-20

24. D.A.V.
Public
School 300

Power
grid Campus

Bihar
Sharif

Ranchi- Patna
Road

Nalanda,
Bihar-803101

25. D.A.V.
Intermediate
College
550

Siwan

---------------------

10,
265

---------------------

Number of
students of each
DNA Club, school
wise and total.

The total number of
students involved
in
DNA Club activities is
approximately
10,000 (for
school wise list
please see the
details given in
point 2 as
above).

Initially the activities
started in each
school with a few
students, as
40-50 in every
school; but due
to its pious
cause and
enthusiasm shown
by the
coordinators and
students, the
number of
students involved
in
DNA Clubs significantly
increased and
finally every
school has a good
number of
students involved
in DNA
Club activities.

Name and
designation of
the RRA
Officers-in-Charge
of DNA Club
activities.

17.Mat- lab
and Fuzzy for its
application in
solving problems
related to
environment.

18.
Identification of
Microbials

19.How does
plants use water

20.To examine
the system of
Photosynthesis

21.To examine
the cell division
of different
types of method
in plants

22.To examine
the need of
oxygen and
sunlight for
plants

23.Aquatic
Plants

24.
Biochemicals and
Food particle
testing

25.Working
with nature

26.
Cleanliness
methods &
community

27.
Identification of
different types
of water borne
contaminants (WCBs)

28.ABO blood
grouping test

29.
Identification of
Barr body

30.Section
cutting (stem and
root internal
structure)

Scientific
Institutions
visited by the
students and the
objectives of the
visits.

During the one
year period the
RRA organized the
following visits:
-

Biotech Park,
Lucknow:
Objective was to
create awareness
among students
about different
techniques of
diversity
conservation and
also to excite
them to pursue
carrier in
Biotechnology.
They were excited
to see the human
genome bank and
other
biotechnological
tools in Biotech
Park.

CIMAP, Lucknow:
To acquaint the
students with
conservation
techniques of
medicinal and
aromatic plants.
They learnt basic
techniques of
tissue culture
and hybrid
formation etc.

NBRI, Lucknow:
To visit
Botanical Garden
of NBRI to learn
about its
activities and
see the vast
diversity of
plant species.

Regional Science
Center, Lucknow:
To learn about
the evolutionary
speciation and
marine ecosystem
in artificially
designed natural
history park and
biome gallery.

Zoo, Lucknow:
To learn about
animal diversity
and food chain.

CDRI, Lucknow:
To know about the
CSIR laboratories
and their
importance.

Birbal Shahani,
Institute of
Paleobotany,
Lucknow:
To learn about
the
palaeontological
evidences of
diversity of
plants and
animals.

Botanical Survey
of India,
Allahabad:
To learn about
the medicinally
important plants
and economic
plants of central
and northern
India; and also
making herbarium
of these plants.

Zoological
Museum,
University of
Allahabad:
To gather
information about
different animal
species and
observe their
characteristics.

Botanical Garden,
University of
Allahabad:
To know about the
plant diversity
of Allahabad
region and
systematic study
of hydrophytic
plants.

IIIT, Allahabad:
To perform
experiments on
DNA isolation and
PCR. They
observed
Mitochondrial DNA
and DNA of few
plants themselves
in the
laboratories of
IIIT.

M.G. Gramodaya,
Chtirakoot
Vishwavidyalaya,
Chtirakoot:
To get first hand
information
related to
application of
rural
technologies for
conservation of
wild life.

Arogya Dham,
Chitrakoot:To study
collection of
some rare
medicinal plants,
their processing
for obtaining
biologically
active compounds
and their
pharmacological
preparations.
They also learnt
the techniques of
developing food-
products from
herbal material.

I V R I,
Bareilly: To
study the
preservation
techniques for
animal-
gametocytes; and
also to learn
several other
biotech
procedures.

Nainital &
Bhim Tal:
They studied
aquatic ecosystem
by observing
flora & fauna
associated with
the lakes; and
also enjoyed the
beauty of these
places situated
in the nature’s
womb.

Number of
visits by RRA
representatives
to the DNA Club
schools.

The RRA
Representatives
visited all the
DNA Clubs (once
or twice) in last
six months except
Hazipur and Patna.
However, the
Project
Coordinator,
Advisory
Committee Members
and other experts
interacted many
times with the
teachers and
coordinators of
the DNA Clubs
during their
participation in
the Orientation
Programmes,
Winter School and
V T P.

Constraints
experienced by
the RRA in
serving DNA
Clubs.

The laboratory
and library
facilities at
most of the
participating
schools were far
from adequate.
Students are not
exposed to basic
instruments, like
Compound
Microscope, Water
Testing kits,
etc. Most of
these DNA Clubs
are also not
having proper
audio-visual
facilities. All
these are
essential for
carrying out the
activities of the
DNA Clubs.

Highlights of
the activities
including
outstanding
programmes.

The Programme
was appreciated
and liked by
all the DNA
Clubs, spread
in 25 districts
involving about
10,000 students
in less than
about two years
duration.

The four
Orientation
Programmes
organized by
the RRA at
Allahabad, (the
details are
given as
Annexure 1 a,
b, c & d) made
a significant
impact on the
teachers and
students in
terms of their
increased level
of awareness
and enthusiasm.

·
Similarly, DNA
Clubs at Pilibhit
and Kaushambi
have started
documenting
different
information on
biodiversity in
the form of
regular magazine/
booklet.

·
The lectures held
at RRA were saved
in CDs and these,
as well as
animation CDs,
were distributed
among all the DNA
Clubs.

·
The RRA has
developed its own
water testing kit
and food
adulteration
testing kit,
which were also
distributed among
all the DNA Clubs

·
Documentation of
information
related to
environment and
biodiversity (Biodiversity
Register)
has been
initiated; also
the concept of
Nature-Man-Spirit-Complex
for effective
implementation of
conservation
plans has been
introduced.

·
Students learnt
extraction of DNA
practically from
the cotyledons of
Cicer
arietinum
(gram) without
using
sophisticated
instruments.

Vocation
Training
Programmes
Organized

A Report on
Vacation Training
Programme (2008)

The National
Academy of
Sciences India
organized the
Vacation Training
Programme (under
the DNA Club of
the Dept. of
Biotechnology,
Govt. of India)
on a theme
–“Natural
Resources:
Dynamics and
Management”;
starting from
June 3, 2008
(including the
celebration of
‘World
Environment Day’
on June 5 2008)
and ending in the
Valedictory
Function on June
23. 2008. Prof.
Krishna Misra was
the Course
Director for VTP.
Distinguished
scientists and
experts - Prof.
J.S. Singh, BHU,
Varanasi, Prof. B
N Dhawan, CDRI,
Lucknow, Prof.
P.K. Seth,
Biotech Park,
Lucknow, Prof.
S.L. Srivastava,
University of
Allahabad (UOA)
,Prof. Krishna
Misra, IIIT,
Allahabad, Prof.
C.B.L. Srivastava,
(UOA), Prof. U.C.
Srivastava, (UOA),
Prof. C.S.
Nautiyal, NBRI,
Lucknow, Prof.
Abhay Mansingh,
Delhi University,
Prof. G.K.
Srivastava, (UOA),
Prof. D.K.
Chauhan, (UOA),Prof
S.P. Misra,
Kamala Nehru
Memorial
Hospital,
Allahabad, Dr.
Ashwani Kumar,
FRI, Kanpur,
Prof. P.K. Mathur,
Lucknow
University, Prof
Jairaj Behari,
ITRC, Lucknow,
Prof C K Dwivedi
(UOA), Prof R K
Srivastava and Dr
Pankaj Srivastava,
M N N I T,
Allahabad and
many others,
addressed the
participants as
given in the
enclosed
programme. 140
students and
teachers from
about 40
institutions of
Allahabad and 18
DNA Clubs,
participated
actively in the
programme and
interacted with
the experts,
exhibiting keen
interest,
inquisitiveness
and desire to
understand the
subject. Some of
the students were
well informed.
The expert
scientists also
enjoyed
interacting with
them and were
impressed by
their active
participation.
The interactive
sessions lasted
much beyond the
stipulated hours.
On a special
occasion Dr. S.M.
Nair, Chief
Coordinator, DNA
Club and Senior
Advisor, Centre
for Environment
Education (CEE),
New Delhi
participated in
the programme on
June 11 & 12,
2008 and
interacted with
the participants.

The whole
programme was
divided into the
following:

A. Introduction
to
Natural
Resources:
Dynamics and
Management:

About 30 lectures
were held to
introduce the
concept of
Natural
Resources,
Biodiversity-assessment
and conservation,
Current
Environmental
Issues,
Environmental
Crisis, Wild
Life, Food Chain,
Distribution of
Biodiversity
Resources, Global
Climate Change,
Intellectual
Property Rights,
Pollutions, Green
Chemistry and
Ecosystem etc. A
topic-wise
details of the
lectures is given
in the programme.

B. Hands-on
Activities

Practical hands
on activities
were organized on
the following –

1. Identification
of museum
specimens –
Animals and
Plants

2. Experiments on
basic principles
in Physics

3. Water
pollution testing

4. Food
adulteration
testing

5. Air pollution
testing –
Quantitative and
Qualitative

6. Tissue culture
– Animal and
Plant

7. DNA isolation
and PCR

8. DNA Probe

9. Microscopic
examination of
cell organelles

10. Microbial
Tissue Culture
(blue green
algae)

11. Mat- lab and
Fuzzy for its
application in
solving problems
related to
environment.

12. Computer
Animation

C. Exploring the
Environment

Fields and
Laboratories
Visits were also
organized –

1.Botanical
Survey of India,
Allahabad:
To learn about
the medicinally
important plants
and economic
plants of central
and northern
India; and also
making herbarium
of these plants.

2.Zoological
Museum,
University of
Allahabad:
To gather
information about
different animal
species and
observe their
characteristics.

3.Botanical
Garden,
University of
Allahabad:
To know about the
plant diversity
of Allahabad
region and
systematic study
of hydrophytic
plants.

4.IIIT,
Allahabad:
To perform
experiments on
DNA isolation and
PCR. They
observed
Mitochondrial DNA
and DNA of few
plants themselves
in the
laboratories of
IIIT.

5.M.G.
Gramodaya,
Chtirakoot
Vishwavidyalaya,
Chtirakoot:
To get first hand
information
related to
application of
rural
technologies for
conservation of
wild life.

6.Arogya
Dham, Chitrakoot:
To study
collection of
some rare
medicinal plants,
their processing
for obtaining
biologically
active compounds
and their
pharmacological
preparations.
They also learnt
the techniques of
developing food-
products from
herbal material.

D. Individual
Projects by the
students:

The participating
students prepared
projects related
to environment
and biodiversity
as:–

The Academy,
after receiving
the extension for
the DNA Club
project from the
Department of
Biotechnology,
Government of
India on 26th
May, 2009, held a
meeting of the
officers (at the
HQ of the Academy
at Allahabad) and
advisors of the
DNA Club project
on June 6, 2009.
In this meeting
it was decided to
organize the
Vacation Training
Programme (under
DNA Project) and
Summer School
(under Science
Communication
Programme of
NASI) jointly in
the month of
June, 2009. The
VTP was thus
started from June
10, 2009 at all
the nodal centers
(DNA Clubs) by
organizing
different
contests to
select the group
of students who
could participate
in the joint
program of VTP
and Summer School
at NASI from June
15 to 30, 2009.

The inauguration
of the joint
program was held
on June 15, 2009
in the auditorium
of NASI at
Allahabad, in
which 165
students and
teachers from 35
schools of U.P.,
M.P. and Bihar
participated
along with
fellows and
members of the
Academy.

The theme of this
year’s programme
was decided to be
the ‘Recent
Developments in
Science &
Technology’.
Prof. S.L.
Srivastava,
Coordinator,
Science
Communication
Programme of
NASI, welcomed
the participants
and the
distinguished
guests present on
this occasion.
Prof. Krishna
Misra
(General
Secretary –HQ,
NASI) gave a
brief description
about the
objectives of
‘Vacation
Training
Programme’ and
DNA Club. She
informed that out
of 13 regional
resource agencies
established by
the Department of
Biotechnology to
spread the
awareness for the
conservation of
natural
resources, the
National Academy
of Sciences,
India has been
chosen to spread
the awareness
programme in
three states –
U.P., M.P. and
Bihar; and NASI
is very hopeful
to make the
programme a
success.

Prof. U. C.
Srivastava,
Convener of the
Summer School
conducted the
inaugural session
and described in
detail the 16
days activity map
for the school.
Prof. G.K.
Srivastava,
Council Member of
the Academy,
proposed a
vote-of-thanks.

After the
inaugural tea,
Prof. S. L.
Srivastava,
delivered the
key-note address
on ‘Energy
Crisis’ and
emphasized that
the increase in
population,
environmental
pollution and
over exploitation
of natural
resources are
responsible for
the global
warming. He told
that the ‘modern
technology’ will
have to address
to the
energy-crisis by
reducing the
demand of energy
and increasing
the alternative
eco-friendly
energy sources.

The first session
(June 15- 17, 09)
was focused on
‘Recent
Developments in
Electronics &
Communication’.
Prof. Abhai
Mansingh,
Formerly
Professor of
Physics and
Director, South
Campus, Delhi
University and
Colonel Er. Ashok
Mansingh
demonstrated that
the white LEDs
are very energy
efficient and if
used on no profit
no loss basis may
even be cheaper
than the kerosene
lamps. Prof.
Mansingh appealed
that ‘we should
opt for various
alternatives for
solving the
energy-crisis’,
otherwise, as we
shall destroy our
environment
generating more
and more of
conventional
energy in order
to meet the
requirement of
modern
civilization. It
is, therefore,
the duty of our
budding
scientists to
make continuous
efforts for
conserving the
nature.

The students
learnt several
project works on
electronics and
made white LEDs
lamps,
multi-vibrator,
water level
indicator and
power supply
adopters.
Prof. C. K.
Dwivedi,
Department of
Electronics and
Communication,
University of
Allahabad (U o
A), explained the
functioning of
embedded white
LEDs systems. He
further dealt in
detail about the
micro control
tracking system
of the solar
panels to
increase its
efficiency by
almost 1.5 times
and added that
using proper
reflectors, we
may harness the
solar energy and
feed it to the
grid system for
the use of the
general mass,
hopefully then
the cost of solar
electricity will
be affordable.

On 18th
June 2009,
Prof. C.B.L.
Srivastava,
Formerly Head of
the Department of
Zoology, U o A
and Prof.
Anita Gopesh
of the same
department
delivered talks
in the session on
‘Recent
Developments in
Ecological
Sciences’. Prof.
C.B.L.
Srivastava’s talk
on Aquarium
keeping was not
only interesting
but also dealt in
detail from
making of an
aquarium to its
maintenance. To
prepare an
aquarium we need
to know about the
types and
varieties of
fishes and their
habitat
preference,
quality of water
and other
requirements.
Gold fish,
Risbora, Mollies,
Platies, Barbs,
Chordial teta,
Neon teta,
Lochies,
Varieties
Cambodia,
Guppies, Chichlit,
Pirhana, Oscar
and Cat fishes
are often kept in
an aquarium to
make it an
attractive and
colorful.
Further, Prof.
Anita Gopesh and
Mr. Nihal Sahab,
with the help of
beautiful slides
demonstrated the
skill of making
an aquarium, its
size,
environment,
types of friendly
fishes, water
quality, fish
feed and other
details. The
students learnt
making an
aquarium; and a
nice aquarium was
developed on the
spot.

On 19th
June 2009, in
the Biological
Sciences session,
Prof. U.C.
Srivastava of
Allahabad
University
delivered an
informative
lecture on
‘Recent
Developments in
Animal Sciences’
covering the
broad areas, as
oncology, gene
therapy,
communicable
diseases and
antioxidants.
Dr. Vimalesh
Chandra
Srivastava,
Formerly Head of
the Department of
Zoology, CMP
Degree College
Allahabad gave a
descriptive
lecture on
Advances in
Genetics. He
traced the
evolution of
Genetics, further
explaining its
role in the
development of
eugenics and
euthenics.

In the
Mathematical
Sciences,
Prof. A.K.
Srivastava of
Department of
Mathematics,
Banaras Hindu
University (BHU)
and Dr. Ramesh
Chandra of
Faizabad
delivered
lectures on
mathematical
functions and
recent trends in
teaching
mathematics in
interesting way.
The participants
learnt to solve
the problems of
mathematics in
very simple way.

On 20th
June 2009,
participants of
biological
sciences stream
learnt staining,
mounting and
microscopic
examination
techniques in the
laboratory of
Zoology
Department,
University of
Allahabad under
overall
supervision of
Prof. U. C.
Srivastava.
They observed
neurons and its
variation,
mitochondria,
Golgi bodies and
barr bodies. On
the other hand
the mathematical
stream students
were exposed to
number theory by
Prof. Ramjilal,
U O A, Allahabad,
matrices and
their properties
by Prof. A.K.
Lal, IIT
Kanpur and Dr.
Ramesh Chandra.
Dr. P.K. Singh,
Mathematics
Department, U o
A, helped the
students in
solving the
problems on
matrices; and
coordinated all
the sessions on
mathematics.

On 21st
June 2009,
Prof. Satyadeo
of Harishchandra
Research
Institute,
Allahabad
extended the
teaching on
matrices in a
very simple and
innovative way.
Prof. D. K.
Chauhan of
Botany
Department,
University of
Allahabad
delivered a
lecture on ‘Man
and Environment’
and cautioned
against the
overexploitation
of natural
resources; and he
told that the man
is responsible
for increasing
the environmental
stresses. He
further described
in detail the
technique of
growing Bonsai;
and its
biological
importance as
well as
maintenance.

Dr. Ashwini
Kumar Sharma
(IFS), Chief
Conservator of
Forest, U.P.
Lucknow,
delivered a
lecture on the
‘Recent
Developments in
Environmental
Sciences’
informing about
the carbon load
and strategies to
minimize the
green house
effects to save
the planet earth.

On 22nd
June 2009,
the team
comprising 125
students and
teachers went on
an educational
tour for studying
the simian
diversity at
Chitrakoot and
Maihar; and
overall diversity
at Panna National
Park under the
guidance of
Dr. Niraj Kumar,
Principal
Investigator of
DNA Club Project,
Dr. Shivesh
Pratap Singh,
Head of the
Department of
Zoology, Govt.
P.G. College,
Satna and Dr.
Mohd. Masood,
Member, NASI.
They came back in
the night of June
25, 2009 after
completing their
project work on
environmental
studies.

On 26th
June 2009,
addressing the
first session of
the programme,
Prof. Krishna
Misra
(General
Secretary -HQ,
NASI) gave
detailed
information on
‘Recent
Development in
Biochemistry &
Biotechnology’.
Prof. Misra
pointed out that
about 50 crores
of Asian
population could
never satisfy
their hunger and
if the condition
remains the same
then half of the
Asian population
will severely
suffer from
malnutrition in
the near future.
Only,
biotechnology can
help us for
solving this
problem and the
food crop
productivity can
be enhanced
through the
application of
biotechnology.

In the second
session, Dr.
Abhay Pandey,
Department of
Biochemistry, U o
A, explained the
‘Structure of DNA
and also traced
the ‘History of
DNA
Fingerprinting’.

Later on,
Prof. Krishna
Misra and
Dr. Abhay Pandey
demonstrated the
extraction of DNA
practically from
the cotyledons of
gram and taught
the participants
to extract DNA
without using
sophisticated
instruments

Dr. Sharada
Sundaram
delivered an
illustrative talk
on ‘Recent
Developments in
Chemical
Sciences’ during
the same session;
she also
explained the
production
process of
bio-diesel from
the food-oils
(mainly from
castor and Mahua).

In the afternoon,
Dr. K.C. Gupta,
Director, IITR,
Lucknow gave an
informative
lecture on ‘Uses
and applications
of
multi-dimensional
modern techniques
of
nanotechnology’.
Dr. Gupta
explained that
new instruments
of nano
dimensions are
being prepared
with the help of
atomic studies,
which will
revolutionize
various fields of
medicine, defense
research, optical
and bio-energy.

In the second
session, Dr.
Pankaj Srivastava
of MNNIT
explained through
mathematical
modeling, the
principles of
mathematics to
devise the
diagnostics as
well as curative
mechanisms for
certain diseases.

On 28th
June 2009,
Dr. Brajesh
Pandey,
Institute of
Petroleum
Technology,
Raibareli,
presented
practical
demonstrations
based on various
principles of
physics to make
the students
learn and
understand
physical
phenomenon and
their
explanations. In
post lunch
session, Prof.
U. N. Dwivedi,
Head, Department
of Biotechnology,
Pro-Vice-chancellor
of Lucknow
University, while
delivering his
lecture on
biotechnology
said that Indian
economy is
agriculture
based; and
biotechnology
must be applied
to increase the
food production
to cater the need
of growing
population.

After Prof.
Dwivedi’s
lecture, Dr.
Mohd Masood
conducted the
testing of
food-adulteration
in oil, ghee,
milk, spices,
sweets, khoya and
tea leaves by the
help of his food-
adulteration
testing kit;
which was an
eye-opener for
all the
participants, as
the results
warned them to
use the food
items cautiously
which are
available in the
market. Further,
Dr. Niraj
Kumar
delivered a
lecture on
‘Chemical nature
of food and types
of nutrition’,
emphasizing the
role of nutrition
in maintenance of
a good health.

In the evening,
Prof. G.K.
Srivastava
delivered a
lecture on
‘Genome’
revealing the
facts that
Chimpanzee is the
closest animal to
man; and about 30
thousands genes
are found in
human body which
determine the
typical
characteristics
as colour, face
outlook,
physiological and
anatomical design
and nature.

On 29th
June 2009,
Dr. Brajesh
Pandey again
demonstrated
several
experiments
related to
mechanics, sound,
light,
gravitation and
electromagnetism.
The students were
grouped into
sub-groups, each
of 5
participants, to
learn the
experiments on
their own. Sri
Laxmi Kant Sharma
of Pilibhit
demonstrated 20
practicals based
on the
fundamental
principles of
chemical
sciences; and
interacted freely
with the
students.

In the evening,
Dr. Manvendra
Tripathi gave
a detailed
account of the
recent researches
in the field of
communicable
diseases. He
emphasized on the
need of
vaccination at
appropriate time
to save against
various diseases
like chickengunia,
Japanese
encephalitis,
polio, hepatitis
etc.

In the evening,
Magic show
entertainments
were organized by
using chemical
reactions by Sri
Sanjay Srivastava
of Tagore Public
School (TPS),
Allahabad
followed by vocal
recitals of the
music teachers of
TPS, Allahabad.

On 30th
June 2009,
the valedictory
session of the
VTP and summer
school was marked
with the
concluding
lectures by
Prof. S.L.
Srivastava
(on Smart
materials),
Prof. C.B.L.
Srivastava
(on Human
evolution) and
Dr. K.P. Singh,
Botanical Survey
of India,
Allahabad (on
Biodiversity).

As the Chief
Guest in the
valedictory
function,
Prof. H.C. Verma,
IIT Kanpur, while
addressing the
gathering on
‘India:
contributions and
challenges’, said
that India is not
only a country of
different
religions and
culture but also
a pioneer in
science and
technology.
Citing several
examples of our
glorious past, he
further pointed
out the drawbacks
and lacunae in
school education
system and
stressed to make
our approach
pragmatic, more
disciplined and
systematic to
produce graduates
of schools.

In her
presidential
remarks, Prof.
Krishna Misra
thanked all the
participants and
appealed to them
to come forward
for ensuring
clean and green
environment. In
the end
certificates of
participation,
educational kits
and food
adulteration kits
were distributed
among the
participant
students and
teachers.

Prof. U.C.
Srivastava
proposed a
vote-of-thanks to
all the resource
persons,
participants,
staff of the
Academy and media
personnel for
their throughout
support and
cooperation which
made the
programme a
success.

Annexure 1 a

A workshop on
Biological
Sciences &
Orientation
Programme for the
D N A Club

The workshop on
Biological
Sciences &
Orientation
Programme for the
D N A Club was
inaugurated on
Sept 07, 2007 in
the auditorium of
the National
Academy of
Sciences India.
The Academy
organized the
programme as a
part of its
Science
Communication
Activities as
well as
Orientation for
the Members of
the D N A Club .
Prof J S Singh
Emeritus
Professor of the
Department of
Botany, B H U,
Varanasi while
delivering his
Key- note Address
on Biodiversity
in the Inaugural
Session
emphasized the
importance of
biodiversity for
checking mass
extinction of the
species . Prof S
L Srivastava,
Coordinator of
the Science
Communication
Programme,
welcomed the
teacher-participants
of the
intermediate
colleges from
about 45 schools
of the three
states - U.P., M.
P. and Bihar, the
Fellows & Members
of the Academy,
Teachers of
Allahabad
University and
other
Institutions of
Allahabad. Dr
Niraj Kumar,
Principal
Investigator for
the Project and
Assistant
Executive
Secretary of the
Academy conducted
the Inaugural
Session of the
workshop. Prof U
C Srivastava,
Convener, gave a
brief account of
the activities to
be held in three
days . Prof C B L
Srivastava,
formerly
Professor and
Head of the Dept.
of Zoology,
Allahabad
University,
proposed the
vote-of-thanks.
Also present on
this occasion
were Dr M. S.
Sinha, Executive
Secretary of the
Academy, Prof
Dipika Kaul, Prof
Pratima Gaur,
Prof Anita Gopesh,
Prof D K Chauhan,
Prof S P Tiwari,
Dr O N Srivastava,
Dr K P Singh, Dr
V C Srivastava,
Dr Balbir Singh
and others. In
the First
Technical Session
, Prof G K
Srivastava,
formerly
Professor and
Head of the Dept.
of Botany,
Allahabad
University, gave
a talk on Recent
Advances in
Taxonomy.
Technical Session
II was held in
the Dept. of
Botany, A.U.
under the
supervision of
Prof. D K Chauhan
and Prof S P
Tiwari.

On the next day
the workshop
started with the
lecture of Prof C
B L Srivastava on
Evolutionary
Systematics;
after which an
interesting
lecture on Five
Kingdom System
was delivered by
Prof. U.C.
Srivastava .The
participants also
visited the
Animal Museum in
the Department of
Zoology,
Allahabad
University under
the guidance of
Prof. Anita
Gopesh and Prof.
Krishna Kumar,
followed
by Experimental
Work and
Demonstration
under overall
supervision of
Prof U C
Srivastava.

The morning
session on the
third day was
devoted to
Biotechnology and
an illustrative
lecture was
delivered by Prof
Krishna Misra, a
senior Fellow of
the Academy;
followed by
demonstrations on
microbiology
under the
supervision of
Prof. G.L. Tiwari,
Dr. Rama Kant
Ojha and Dr.
Richa Tandon. A
lecture on
Lessons on
Ecology for
Aquarium keeping
was also
delivered by
Prof. C.B.L.
Srivastava. The
Valedictory
Session was
Chaired by Prof P
K Seth, General
Secretary of the
Academy and Chief
Executive
Officer, Biotech
Park, Lucknow.
Prof Seth, in his
address appealed
to the
participants to
spread the
message of
conserving
nature, among the
students and
general mass .In
the end, Dr. M.S.
Sinha proposed
the vote- of-
thanks; and the
certificates of
participation
were given to the
teachers.

Annexure1 b

A Workshop on
Some Aspects of
Chemical
Pollution &
Orientation
Programme for the
DNA Club

The Academy
organized a
Workshop cum
Orientation
Programme on Some
Aspect of
Chemical
Pollution on
November 5-6,
2007, under the
convenership of
Dr. (Mrs.)
Sharada Sundaram
and Dr. Mohammad
Masood (both are
Member of the
Academy). Total
80 teachers from
about 35
institutions of
U.P., M.P. and
Bihar
participated in
the Workshop.
During the
inaugural
function held on
5th
November, 2007 in
the Auditorium of
the Academy,
Prof. S.L.
Srivastava,
Coordinator,
welcomed the
participant-
teachers, Fellows
and Members of
the Academy
present on the
occasion and
other
distinguished
guests. The key-
note address on
“Chemical
Pollution and
Green Chemistry”
was delivered by
Dr. Anil Kumar, a
distinguished
Scientist from
National Chemical
Laboratory, Pune
and also the
Vice- President
of the Academy.

Dr. Anil Kumar
discussed various
causes of air,
water and soil
pollutants. These
are all due to
Chemical
Pollutions,
created by
industrial
discharges,
operational
discharges from
oil rigs, mining
discharges and
agricultural run-
off, persistent
pollutants such
as pesticides,
insecticides etc.
He discussed the
details about the
status and
hazards of
chemical
pollution. In a
measure to combat
this pollution,
Dr. Kumar
stressed to
understand the
term “Green”, in
order to adopt
the ecofriendly
biosphere,
without producing
toxic chemical.
Dr. Mohammad
Masood introduced
the theme of the
Workshop and Dr.
Sharada Sundaram
proposed a vote
of thanks. The
inaugural
function was
conducted by Dr.
Niraj Kumar.

After the
inaugural
function Dr.
Mohammad Masood
demonstrated the
techniques of
water testing
using the water
analysis kit
developed by
himself for
testing of 12
parameters such
as pH,
temperature,
total dissolved
solids,
alkalinity,
acidity,
hardness,
presence of NH3,
iron, chloride,
manganese
sulphate,
dissolved oxygen
and arsenic in
the water. After
the
demonstration,
the kits along
with the
protocols for
water testing
were distributed
among the
participants, so
that they could
perform the
testing of water-
quality, at their
respective
places.

After the lunch,
a session on food
adulteration
testing was held
and the
participants
tested about 15
food items for
different types
of adulteration
such as metanil
yellow in sweets
prepared by the
different shops,
Argemone
mexicana in
mustard oil, urea
in milk and milk
products, animal
fat in vegetable
oil/ ghee etc.
They found the
samples of sweets
(mithai) from
three different
shop of Allahabad,
adulterated; also
the mustard oil
of 4 brands were
also found
adulterated with
Argemone, which
is fatal for
kidney and liver
of the users of
such brand.

On 6th
November, 2007
the outstation
participants went
to Sangam and
collected the
water samples
from around six
locations of
Sangam area. All
these samples
were tested by
different groups
for the level of
pollution. The
water samples
were collected
from Sangam were
found to be
polluted mainly
by

Dr. Sharada
Sundaram
demonstrated
several
experiments on
air pollution
(particulate
matters in air),
chemo
luminescence and
chromatography.
The Vaseline
slides, hanged at
10 places in
Allahabad namely,
2 locations at
Mumfordganj, 2 at
Katra, 1 at
Kutchehari, 2 at
Chowk, 1 at MNNIT
Chauraha, 1 at
Civil Lines
Chauraha and 1 at
Allahpur Chauraha.
The slides were
collected after
48 hours and
after counting
the particulate
matters it was
found that Chowk
air has the
maximum
particulates. Dr.
Abhay Pandey
delivered a talk
on Environmental
Pollution and Dr.
Satyendra Singh
on Chemical
Reactions in the
afternoon of 5th
and 6th
November, 2007,
respectively.

In the
Valedictory
Function, Prof.
S.L. Srivastava
delivered a talk
on “Green House
Effect and
Climate Change”,
in which he
discussed the
solar radiation,
absorption and
emission of
radiation in
atmosphere, water
and soil and how
CO2
and H2O
are mainly
responsible for
the green house
effect, thereby
leading to global
warming and
disastrous
climate change.
Certificate of
participation
were distributed
to the
participants and
Dr. M.S. Sinha
proposed a vote-
of- thanks.

Annexure1 c

A Workshop on
Teaching with
Experiments &
Orientation
Programme for the
DNA Club

A Workshop cum
Orientation
Programme on
Teaching with
Experiments was
organized by the
Academy on
September 28 -
29, 2008. Total 125
teachers
including DNA Clubs Members
from U.P., M.P.
and Bihar
participated in
this Workshop.
During the
inaugural
function held on
28th
September, 2008
in the Auditorium
of the Academy,
Prof. U.C.
Srivastava,
Member, LAC –DNA
Club and Convener
of the workshop,
welcomed the
participant-
teachers, Fellows
and Members of
the Academy
present on the
occasion and
other
distinguished
guests. He, also
gave a detailed
account of the
Workshop and the
type of
experiments
designed for the
teachers. Prof.
C.B.L. Srivastava,
formerly Head,
Department of
Zoology, A.U.
gave an
Introductory
Remark. Prof.
Krishna Misra,
Coordinator,
Indo- Russian
Centre of
Biotechnology,
IIIT, Allahabad
and Course
Director, VTP,
DNA Club was the
Chief Guest. Prof
Misra talked
about the ethical
values in
teaching and also
appealed the
teachers to make
teaching more
interesting and
full of
scientific
temperament.
Prof. G.K.
Srivastava
proposed the vote
of thanks. The
inaugural
function was
conducted by Dr.
Niraj Kumar,
Principal
Investigator, DNA
Club and
Assistant
Executive
Secretary, NASI,
Allahabad.

After the
Inaugural Session
the teachers went
to the Department
of Zoology where
they visited
Zoology - Museum
and then Prof.
U.C. Srivastava
practically
demonstrated
Perfusion Method
based on
Transcardial
Perfusion. The
teachers, also
prepared
Mitochondria and
Barr Body slides.
In the
interactive
session, Prof.
Srivastava also
discussed about
the brain
functioning and
several other
things related to
recent
advancements in
biology. On the
evening of 28th
September; Prof
Krishna Misra,
Prof G K
Srivastava, Prof.
U.C. Srivastava,
Prof D K Chauhan,
Dr. Mamata and
Dr. Niraj Kumar
discussed about
the preparation
of Biological Kit
and other related
things with the
teachers. Several
other matters
concerned with
the functioning
of DNA Clubs were
also discussed.

On the next
day, teachers
visited the
Botanical Garden
of the University
of Allahabad where
Prof G K
Srivastava, Prof
D K Chauhan and
Dr S P Tiwari,
Department of
Botany, A.U.
conducted the
programme. The
teachers were
trained to
prepare herbarium
and techniques of
conservation of
medicinal and
herbal plants.
The teachers,
then came back to
the Academy;
Prof. C.B.L.
Srivastava gave
an illustrative
talk on
Biodiversity and
its conservation
in the Academy.
Dr. Md. Masood
demonstrated the
techniques of
water and food
adulteration
testing. Prof.
Krishna Misra and
Dr. Abhay Pandey,
Department of
Biochemistry, A.U.
practically
demonstrated DNA
isolation and
extraction. Dr.
Alarik Arenander,
Director, Iowa’s
Brain Research
Institute &
President, The
Leader’s Brain,
as a Chief Guest
in the
Valedictory
Session, gave an
informative talk
on Brain Function
and Human
Potential. Prof.
G.K. Srivastava
proposed the
vote- of- thanks.

Annexure 1 d

A Workshop on
Hands on
Experiments

The Academy
successfully
organized a three
days Teachers
Workshop from
November 11-13,
2008. The
programme was
started on
National
Education Day
(i.e. November
11, 2008) and
concluded on the
eve of
Children’s Day
(i.e. November
14, 2008). Total
110 teachers
(including the
DNA Club Members)
from U.P, M.P.
and Bihar,
participated in
the workshop.

On 11th
November, the
workshop was
inaugurated by
Prof. S.L.
Srivastava who
delivered an
inspiring talk on
“Science
Education: Its
challenges”.
Prof. C.K.
Dwivedi, J.K.
Institute of
Applied Physics,
University of
Allahabad
(Convener of the
workshop)
demonstrated
several
experiment on
electronic-circuits,
such as Burglar’s
alarm with a NPN
Transistor and
SCR, Automatic
night light using
Transistor, LDR
and White LED,
Rain indicator
using NPN
Transistor, Light
blinking using IC
555 board, Auto
stop water pump
switch using IC
555 board, Cooler
pump timer using
IC 555 board,
Flashing alarm
for low water
level in under
Ground water tank
and Cloth drying
rope with
automatic
movement for rain
protection.

On 13th
November,
interesting
experiments on
mechanics were
demonstrated by
the last year’s
teacher awardee
of the Academy,
Sri Brijesh Dixit,
Sri Narayan Inter
College, Auriya.
After lunch Dr
Brajesh Pandey,
National
Institute of
Technology,
Rourkela,
demonstrated
about 17
experiments on
motion of charge
particles under
electrical and
magnified field,
interaction of
magnet with
conductor;
polarization of
light; different
types of sound in
the enclosed
pipe, wave motion
and boiling of
water caused by
heat loss during
cooling. In the
Valedictory
function, the
Vice – President
of the Academy,
Dr. Anil Kumar,
National Chemical
Laboratory, Pune,
was the Chief
Guest. Dr. Anil
Kumar discussed
the important
role of teachers
giving the
example of his
own journey of
being a
scientist. On the
eve of Children’s
Day, Prof. S.L.
Srivastava told “Children
surely can build
a new prosperous
India free from
corruption and
nepotism by
imbibing the
principles of
science, so let
us study science
seriously.”